Wallpapering a room enhances the beauty and individuality of your home, as much as paint, furniture or any other element of interior design.

However, as much as wallpaper can enhance a room, it is imperative that you prepare your walls for your wallpapering effort. Many people are hasty in their preparatory effort, which often results in poor adhesion of the paper and a nonprofessional look. This is probably not the result you want after spending a weekend wallpapering! In fact, if you are going to do wallpaper, it should be done right - hence, this tutorial, which will aid you in overcoming the pitfalls (literally) of the wallpaper novice: "Wallpapering Preparation."

CautionsBe sure to turn off any electrical circuits that are close to the areas you will be soaking with water.

1.

Turn off electricity to all outlets and switches in the room you are working at your panel box. Remove all outlet covers and switch covers from the wall. Tape over your outlets with electric tape.

2.

You will need to smooth your walls so that nicks, bumps, and holes will not show through in your finished product. For walls with existing wallpaper your best bet is to remove the old wallpaper. You can remove old wallpaper relatively easily by first cutting horizontally across your wallpaper about every 8 inches.

3.

Next, lightly sandpaper the wallpaper to improve water saturation.

4.

Wet the sanded paper with a sponge and household detergent. Keep in mind that you may have to wet the old wallpaper with a significant amount of water.

5.

Scrape the paper off gently with a putty knife.

6.

Although it is not recommended, you do not need to remove your old wallpaper. If you choose to wallpaper over existing wallpaper sand down overlapping seams on existing wallpaper as these will show through. 100-150 grit sandpaper should do the trick. Glue down any curled edges and sand down to smooth existing creases.

7.

For loose wallpaper in specific spots, cut an X with your utility blade on the bubble. Paste the wallpaper and reattach to the wall and sponge off any excess paste.

8.

Again, be sure to smooth out any creases or separated seams with sandpaper.

9.

For painted walls, your preparatory effort may be less involved. If you have plaster walls, be sure to repair any cracks or holes with plaster patching. Be sure that your resulting work is smooth so that your repair work does not show through your new paper.

10.

For all walls painted with a glossy finish, dull the surface of your walls with sandpaper so that the wallpaper adheres properly. Wash the walls down with a strong household detergent, and allow to dry before proceeding.

11.

Be sure to scrape and sandpaper any peeling paint from the surface of your walls. After you have smoothed all the irregularities on your walls, you are now ready to wallpaper your room! You can now move on to the wallpapering tutorial.